Goggles with interchangeable locking strap

ABSTRACT

Goggles include a goggle frame, a goggle strap, and a goggle strap connector. The goggle strap has a direction of strap tension when the goggles are worn by a user. The goggle strap connector includes a female bracket and a male bracket. The female bracket is directly coupled to the goggle frame or the goggle strap, including first and second bracket walls, a channel defined between the bracket walls, projections, and recesses. The male bracket is configured to mateably couple to the female bracket, including a sliding bar and an enlarged bar end. First movement of the goggle strap in the strap tension direction may move at least one of the bar bumps of the enlarged bar end past at least one of the projections to position the at least one of the bar bumps within at least one of the recesses.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/822,683, filed Mar. 18, 2020; which is acontinuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.15/851,680, filed Dec. 21, 2017; now U.S. Pat. No. 10,632,015, issuedApr. 28, 2020; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document relate generally to goggles, and morespecifically to goggles comprising an interchangeable locking strap andmethods of coupling a goggle strap to a goggle frame.

BACKGROUND

Goggles are desirable to have replaceable straps to extend the life ofthe goggles or to change the looks of the goggles. To connect a strapwith the goggle frame of the goggles, a buckle-like structure istypically used. The buckle connects an end of the strap and is pushedand snapped into a receptor on the goggle frame. The buckle isimmediately locked in the receptor once inserted into the space in thereceptor. To disconnect, small parts are pushed or pressed to disengagethe buckle from the goggle frame. A user often fumbles to find the rightsmall parts to press or the right space to engage or disengage thebuckle. The replacement of a goggle strap can be especially clumsy ifthe goggles are worn on the face of the user or the user has gloves on,and can consume precious time in time-pressured situations like incompetitions or emergencies.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a pair of goggles comprises agoggle frame, at least one lens, a goggle strap, and a goggle strapconnector. The goggle frame comprises two frame sides opposite eachother. At least one lens aperture is defined by the goggle frame. Atleast one lens is mounted on the goggle frame, covering the at least onelens aperture. The goggle strap has two strap ends each having adirection of strap tension when the pair of goggles is worn by a user.The goggle strap connector is at each of the two frame sides. Eachgoggle strap connector respectively comprises a female bracket and amale bracket. The female bracket is coupled to the respective frame sideand comprises a first bracket wall, a second bracket wall, a channel,one or more projections, one or more recesses, and an opposing pair offirst teeth facing each other. The first bracket wall and the secondbracket wall each extend away from the respective frame side. Thechannel may have a length greater than its width and its height, and isformed between the bracket walls. The channel has an opening end with anopening end height and an opening end width. The one or more projectionsmay face the channel and extend into the channel from the first bracketwall. The one or more recesses on the first bracket wall are immediatelyadjacent to each of the one or more projections and distal to therespective frame side relative to the one or more projections. Theopposing pair of first teeth each separately extends toward therespective frame side from a different wall of the first and secondbracket walls. The pair of first teeth may be positioned distal to therespective frame side relative to the one or more recesses on the firstbracket wall. The male bracket is on each of the two strap ends. Eachmale bracket respectively comprises a strap coupler, a sliding bar, anenlarged bar end, and an opposing pair of second teeth. The strapcoupler is coupled to one of the two strap ends. The sliding bar extendsfrom the strap coupler away from the goggle strap. The enlarged bar endis disposed on an edge of the sliding bar distal to the strap coupler.The enlarged bar end comprises one or more bar bumps along at least aportion of the edge of the sliding bar. The opposing pair of secondteeth may face away from each other, each separately extending from theedge of the sliding bar toward the strap coupler. The opening end heightand the opening end width of each channel is greater than acorresponding height and a corresponding width of the enlarged bar endto slidably receive the enlarged bar end into the channel. Firstmovement of the male bracket within the channel in the strap tensiondirection may move at least one of the one or more bar bumps of therespective enlarged bar end past at least one of the one or moreprojections of the female bracket to position the at least one of theone or more bar bumps within the at least one of the one or morerecesses and engage the pair of first teeth with the pair of secondteeth.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following. Thechannel may comprise a closed end opposite the opening end of thechannel. Second movement of the male bracket within the channel in adirection opposite the strap tension direction may move the at least oneof the one or more bar bumps out of the at least one of the one or morerecesses and past the at least one of the one or more projections. Thefirst movement of the male bracket may produce a first click and thesecond movement of the male bracket may produce a second click. The oneor more bar bumps may comprise a first bar bump proximal to the secondteeth and a second bar bump disposed distal to the first bar bump on thesliding bar. The one or more projections may comprise a first projectionproximal to the first teeth and a second projection distal to theopening end of the channel. The one or more recesses may comprise afirst recess and a second recess. The enlarged bar end at the second barbump may have a height greater than a height of the channel measuredbetween the first bracket wall and the second bracket wall adjacent tothe second recess, but smaller than a height of the channel measuredbetween the first bracket wall and the second bracket wall at the secondrecess. The female bracket may further comprise a recess wall whichextends into the channel from the first bracket wall or the secondbracket wall and faces the channel, the recess wall not parallel to thesecond projection and disposed immediately adjacent to the secondrecess.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a pair of goggles comprises agoggle frame comprising a first frame side, a goggle strap, and a gogglestrap connector at the first frame side. The goggle strap has a firststrap end, the first strap end having a direction of strap tension whenthe pair of goggles is worn by a user. The goggle strap connectorcomprises a female bracket and a male bracket. The female bracket isdirectly coupled to the first frame side or the first strap end. Thefemale bracket comprises a first bracket wall, a second bracket wall, achannel defined between the bracket walls, one or more projections, andone or more recesses. The first bracket wall and the second bracket wallface each other and may be joined by a channel base. The channel mayhave a length greater than its width, the channel further having anopening end with an opening end height and an opening end width. The oneor more projections may extend into the channel from the first bracketwall. The one or more recesses on the first bracket wall may beimmediately adjacent to the one or more projections and distal to thechannel base relative to the one or more projections. The male bracketis configured to mateably couple to the female bracket, comprising asliding bar and an enlarged bar end. The sliding bar comprises aproximal end and a distal end, the proximal end directly coupled to theother of the first frame side or the first strap end that the femalebracket is not directly coupled to. The enlarged bar end is disposed onthe sliding bar at the distal end, the enlarged bar end comprising oneor more bar bumps along at least a portion of the sliding bar. Theopening end height and the opening end width of the channel is greaterthan a corresponding height and a corresponding width of the enlargedbar end to slidably receive the enlarged bar end into the channel. Firstmovement of the first strap end in the strap tension direction may moveat least one of the one or more bar bumps of the enlarged bar end pastat least one of the one or more projections of the female bracket toposition the at least one of the one or more bumps within at least oneof the one or more recesses and engage the male bracket with the femalebracket.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following. Thefemale bracket may comprise an opposing pair of first teeth facing eachother and each separately extending toward the channel base from adifferent wall of the first and second bracket walls. The pair of firstteeth may be positioned distal to the channel base relative to the oneor more recesses on the first bracket wall. The male bracket may furthercomprise an opposing pair of second teeth facing away from each otherand each separately extending from the enlarged bar end at the distalend of the sliding bar toward the proximal end. The first movement maymove the at least one of the one or more bar bumps of the enlarged barend past the at least one of the one or more projections to engage thepair of first teeth with the pair of second teeth. The channel maycomprise a closed end opposite the opening end of the channel. Secondmovement of the male bracket within the channel, or the female bracketwith the male bracket within the channel, in a direction opposite thestrap tension direction may move the at least one of the one or morebumps out of the at least one of the one or more recesses and past theat least one of the one or more projections of the female bracket. Thefirst movement may produce a first click. The second movement mayproduce a second click. The one or more bar bumps may comprise a firstbar bump and a second bar bump disposed distal to the first bar bump onthe sliding bar. The one or more projections may comprise a firstprojection proximal to the opening end and a second projection distal tothe opening end of the channel. The one or more recesses may comprise afirst recess and a second recess. The enlarged bar end at the second barbump may have a height greater than a height of the channel measuredbetween the first bracket wall and the second bracket wall adjacent tothe second recess, but smaller than a height of the channel measuredbetween the first bracket wall and the second bracket wall at the secondrecess. The first bar bump may be proximal to a pair of second teeth andthe first projection may be proximal to a pair of first teeth. Thefemale bracket may further comprise a recess wall which extends into thechannel from the first bracket wall or the second bracket wall and facesthe channel, the recess wall not parallel to the second projection anddisposed immediately adjacent to the second recess.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of coupling a gogglestrap to a goggle frame comprises providing a goggle frame and a gogglestrap. A female bracket is disposed on a first frame side of the goggleframe or a first end of the goggle strap. A male bracket is disposed onthe first end of the goggle strap or the first frame side of the goggleframe. The goggle strap has a direction of strap tension when the gogglestrap is pulled away from the strap end. The method further comprisesslidably positioning an enlarged bar end of the male bracket into achannel of the female bracket through an opening end of the channel bysliding the enlarged bar end into the channel in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the direction of strap tension. Themethod further comprises securing the male bracket to the female bracketby pulling the male bracket or the female bracket substantially parallelto the direction of strap tension after the enlarged bar end ispositioned within the channel.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following.Securing the male bracket to the female bracket may further comprisemoving one or more bar bumps of the enlarged bar end past one or moreprojections of the female bracket, and positioning the one or more barbumps within the one or more recesses of the female bracket immediatelyadjacent to the one or more projections. Securing the male bracket tothe female bracket may further comprise pulling the male bracket or thefemale bracket until a first click is produced. The method may furthercomprise unsecuring the male bracket from the female bracket by pushingthe male bracket and the female bracket toward each other opposite thedirection of strap tension until one or more bar bumps of the enlargedbar end disengage from one or more recesses, and sliding the enlargedbar end out of the channel in a direction substantially perpendicular tothe direction of strap tension. Unsecuring the male bracket from thefemale bracket may further comprise pushing the male bracket and thefemale bracket toward each other until a second click is produced.Slidably positioning the enlarged bar end of the male bracket into thechannel of the female bracket may further comprise slidably positioningthe enlarged bar end of the male bracket into the channel of the femalebracket until the enlarged bar end reaches a closed end of the channelopposite the opening end of the channel.

Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specificallynoted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specificationand the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fullyaware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. Theinventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only theplain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claimsunless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly setforth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differsfrom the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements ofintent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent anddesire that the simple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms beapplied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, such noun, term, orphrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms,or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of Englishgrammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, ormodifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be giventheir plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112,116. Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended tosomehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C.§ 112, 116, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisionsof 35 U.S.C. § 112, 116 are sought to be invoked to define theinventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exactphrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word“function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of[insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases anystructure, material, or acts in support of the function. Thus, even whenthe claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or“step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also reciteany structure, material, or acts in support of that means or step, or toperform the recited function, it is the clear intention of the inventorsnot to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6. Moreover, even ifthe provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, are invoked to define the claimedaspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to thespecific structure, material, or acts that are described in thepreferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,material, or acts that perform the claimed function as described inalternative embodiments or forms in the disclosure, or that arewell-known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material,or acts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from theDETAILED DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with theappended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a pair of goggles worn on a user's head;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the pair of goggles shown in FIG. 1A with thegoggle strap taken off one side of the goggle frame while the goggleframe remains on the user's head;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the goggles shown in FIG. 1A, separated fromthe helmet and user;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a goggle strap connector;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the female bracket of the goggle strapconnector shown in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the female bracket shown in FIG. 3 asseen along section line 4B-4B of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the male bracket of the goggle strapconnector shown in FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of the goggle strap connector shownin FIG. 3 with the enlarged end of the male bracket partially insertedin the channel of the female bracket;

FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of the goggle strap connector shownin FIG. 3 with the enlarged end of the male bracket fully inserted inthe channel of the female bracket;

FIG. 6C is a side perspective view of the goggle strap connector shownin FIG. 3 with the female bracket and the male bracket engaged with eachother;

FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the goggle strap connector taken alongsection line 7A-7A shown in FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the goggle strap connector taken alongsection line 7B-7B shown in FIG. 6C; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of coupling a goggle strap to agoggle frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this disclosure includes embodiments in many different forms, theyare shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detailedparticular embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principlesof the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit thebroad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.

Contemplated as part of this disclosure are goggles, of which the gogglestrap is replaceable, as well as a method of coupling a goggle strap toa goggle frame. The assembly of the goggles allows the strap to bequickly and easily assembled onto, or dissembled from, the goggle frame,even with a gloved hand or while the goggles are worn on the user'sface. Further, the locking direction of the goggle strap connector isthe same as the strap tension direction, which helps the goggle strapconnector stay locked while the goggles are worn on a user's head.

Goggles 100 comprise a goggle frame 102, a goggle strap or strap 300,and a goggle strap connector 400 connecting the goggle strap 300 withthe goggle frame 102. FIG. 1A illustrates an example of goggles 100 wornon a user's head over a helmet 110. The goggles strap 300 can be takenoff the goggle frame 102 even while the goggle frame 102 is on theuser's face (FIG. 1B). In emergency situations, the goggles can,therefore, be easily taken off a user's face without first taking offthe strap or the goggle frame or moving the user's head. This isbeneficial for comfort and neck safety in an accident.

With reference to FIG. 2 , at least one lens aperture 106 is defined bythe goggle frame 102 with at least one lens 202 mounted on the goggleframe 102 and covering the at least one lens aperture 106. The gogglestrap 300 comprises goggle strap ends 304 each with a direction of straptension 308 when the goggles 100 are worn by a user (FIG. 1A). Thegoggle strap 300 may comprise a buckle 306 for adjusting the length ofthe goggle strap. Some goggles, such as those used in competitions, maynot have a buckle.

The goggle strap connector 400 comprises a female bracket 500 and a malebracket 600 (FIG. 3 ). The male bracket 600 is configured to mateablycouple to the female bracket 500. Although the goggles shown in FIGS.1A-2 have the goggle strap 300 connected to the male bracket 600, thegoggle strap 300 may alternatively be connected to the female bracket500 with the male bracket 600 coupled with a frame side 104 of thegoggle frame 102. The female bracket 500 is directly coupled to theframe side 104 or directly coupled to the goggle strap end 304, with themale bracket coupled to the other one of the frame side 104 or thegoggle strap end 304. In some embodiments, the goggle strap connector400 is at each of the two frame sides 104, and the female bracket 500 orthe male bracket 600 is directly coupled to its respective frame side104 with the male bracket 600 or the female bracket 500 directly coupledto each of the two strap ends 304 of the goggle strap 300.

With reference to FIGS. 3-4B, the female bracket 500 comprises a firstbracket wall 502, a second bracket wall 504, a channel 506, one or moreprojections 520, and one or more recesses 522 (FIGS. 4A-4B). The firstand second bracket walls 502 and 504 of the female bracket 500 face eachother. The bracket walls 502 and 504 may be joined by a channel base526. In some embodiments, the first and second bracket walls 502 and 504extend away from the respective frame side 104 that the female bracket500 coupled to. The channel 506 is defined by, or formed between, thefirst and second bracket walls 502 and 504. The channel 506 has a length508 greater than its width 510 and a channel length 508 greater than itsheight 512. The width 510 and height 512 of the channel 506 shown inFIG. 3 are measured near the opening end 514. The width 510 or theheight 512 may vary along the channel 506. The channel 506 has anopening end 514 with an opening end height 518 and an opening end width516. The channel 506 may comprise a closed end 528 opposite the openingend 514 of the channel 506. The closed end 528 may help restrict themale bracket 600 from sliding too far into the channel 506.

One or more projections 520 in the female bracket 500 extends into thechannel 506 from the first bracket wall 502. One or more recesses 522 onthe first bracket wall 502 may be disposed immediately adjacent to theone or more projections 520 and distal to the channel base 526 relativeto the one or more projections 520. In some embodiments, the one or morerecesses 522 are disposed distal to the respective frame side 104 towhich the female bracket 500 coupled, relative to the one or moreprojections 520. In some embodiments, the one or more recesses 522 aredisposed distal to the channel base 526, relative to the one or moreprojections 520.

With reference to FIG. 5 , the male bracket 600 comprises a sliding bar604 and an enlarged bar end 606. The sliding bar 604 comprises aproximal end 614 and a distal end 616. The proximal end 614 may bedirectly coupled to the other of the goggle frame side 104 or the gogglestrap end 304 that the female bracket 500 is not directly coupled to.The enlarged bar end 606 is disposed on the sliding bar 604 at thedistal end 616. The enlarged bar end 606 comprises one or more bar bumpsor bumps 618, 620 along at least a portion of the sliding bar 604.

In some embodiments, the male bracket 600 may be disposed on each of thetwo strap ends 304. The male bracket 600 may further comprise a strapcoupler 702. The strap coupler 702 may be coupled to one of the twostrap ends 304. The sliding bar 604 may extend from the strap coupler702 away from the strap 300. The enlarged bar end 606 may be disposed onan edge 608 of the sliding bar 604 distal to the strap coupler 702. Thebar bumps 618, 620 may be disposed along at least a portion of the edge608 of the sliding bar 604.

The opening end height 518 and the opening end width 516 of the channel506 of the female bracket 500 is greater than a corresponding height 622and a corresponding width 624 of the enlarged bar end 606 to slidablyreceive the enlarged bar end 606 into the channel 506. To engage thefemale bracket 500 and the male bracket 600 with each other, theenlarged bar end 606 of the male bracket 600 first is inserted into thechannel 506 of the female bracket 500, or the female bracket 500 is slidover the enlarged bar end 606, to position the enlarged bar end 606 intothe channel 506 (FIGS. 6A-6B and 7A). A first movement of the firstgoggle strap end 304 in the strap tension direction then moves at leastone of the one or more bar bumps 618, 620 of the enlarged bar end 606past at least one of the one or more projections 520 of the femalebracket 500 to position the at least one of the one or more bumps withinthe at least one of the one or more recesses 522 and engage the malebracket 600 within the female bracket 500 (FIGS. 6C and 7B). In someembodiments, the female bracket is coupled to a frame side and, duringthe first movement, the male bracket is moved within the channel in thestrap tension direction. In other embodiments, the male bracket iscouple to a frame side and, during the first movement, the femalebracket is moved, with the male bracket within the channel, in the straptension direction.

To disengage the female bracket 500 and the male bracket 600 from eachother, a second movement of the male bracket 600 within the channel 506,or the female bracket 500 with the male bracket 600 within the channel506, in a direction opposite the strap tension direction 308 moves theat least one of the one or more bumps out of the at least one of the oneor more recesses 522 and past the at least one of the one or moreprojections 520 of the female bracket 500 (FIGS. 6B and 7A). The firstmovement may produce a first click. The second movement may produce asecond click. As a result, the female bracket 500 and the male bracket600 can be easily engaged and disengaged from each other, with anaudible indication of engagement and disengagement, even when the useris wearing gloves. As a result, the female and male brackets, 500 and600, are securely locked with each other when the goggles are worn onthe user's head because the strap tension direction is the same as thelocking direction. In some conventional replaceable goggles, thedirection of strap tension pulls the strap away from the lockingposition.

The female bracket 500 may further comprise an opposing pair of firstteeth 524 facing each other. Each of the first teeth 524 separatelyextend toward the channel base 526 from a different wall of the firstand second bracket walls 502 and 504 and are positioned distal to thechannel base 526 relative to the one or more recesses 522 on the firstbracket wall 502. In some embodiments, each of the first teeth 524 mayseparately extend toward the respective frame side 104 to which thefemale bracket 500 is coupled, from a different wall of the first andsecond bracket walls 502 and 504. The first teeth 524 may be positioneddistal to the respective frame side 104 relative to the one or morerecesses 522 on a respective bracket wall 502 and 504. In someembodiments, each tooth of the pair of first teeth 524 and itsrespective bracket wall 502 or 504 forms a wall slot 540 between themextending along at least a portion of the channel 506.

The male bracket 600 may further comprise an opposing pair of secondteeth 612 facing away from each other. Each of the second teeth 612separately extends from the enlarged end 606 at the distal end 616 ofthe sliding bar 604 toward the proximal end 614. In some embodiments,the second teeth 612 may each separately extend from the edge 608 of thesliding bar 604 toward the strap coupler 702. The first movement movesat least one of the one or more bar bumps 618, 620 of the enlarged barend 606 past the one or more projections 520 to engage the pair of firstteeth 524 with the pair of second teeth 612. In some embodiments, eachtooth 612 of the pair of second teeth 612 forms an end slot 626 betweenthe respective tooth 612 and sliding bar 604. When the pair of firstteeth 524 engage with the pair of second teeth 612, each tooth 524 ofthe pair of first teeth 524 is disposed in a respective end slot 626 andeach tooth 612 of the pair of second teeth 612 is disposed in arespective wall slot 540. The first and second teeth 524 and 612 limitfurther movement of the enlarged bar end 606 of the male bracket 600once the at least one of the one or more bar bumps 618, 620 engages inthe at least one of the one or more recesses 522 during the firstmovement. The engagement of the teeth 524, 612 helps to restrict theenlarged bar end 606 from being overpulled out of the channel 506 of thefemale bracket 500 in the direction of strap tension 308 (FIG. 1 ).

The one or more bar bumps 618, 620 of the male bracket 600 may comprisea first bar bump 618 and a second bar bump 620 disposed distal to thefirst bar bump 618 on the sliding bar 604. The first bar bump 618 may bedisposed proximal to the second teeth 612. As illustrated in theembodiment of FIG. 4B, the female bracket 500 may further comprise acontinuous slide guide 542 disposed along the channel 506. The slideguide 542 is sized with dimensions greater than the respectivedimensions of the bar bumps 618, 620 so the enlarged bar end 606 can beslid into the channel 506 along the slide guide 542.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the one or more projections of thefemale bracket 500 may comprise a first projection 520 proximal to theopening end 514 of the channel 506 and a second projection 532 distal tothe opening end 514. The first projection 520 may be proximal to thefirst teeth 524. The one or more recesses may comprise a first recess522 and a second recess 536. The enlarged bar end 606 at the second barbump 620 has a height greater than a height of the channel 506 measuredbetween the first bracket wall 502 and the second bracket wall 504adjacent to the second recess 536, but smaller than a height of thechannel 506 measured between the first bracket wall 502 and the secondbracket wall 504 at the second recess 536. As a result, when the strap300 is pulled in the strap tension direction 308 during the firstmovement, this first movement moves at least one of the bar bumps 618,620 past at least one of the one or more projections 520, 532 toposition the at least one of the one or more bumps within at least oneof the one or more recesses 522, 536 and engage the male bracket 600with the female bracket 500.

In some embodiments, the female bracket 500 may further comprise arecess wall 538 which extends into the channel 506 from the firstbracket wall 502 or the second bracket wall 504 and faces the secondrecess 536. The recess wall 538 adjacent the second projection 532restricts the second bar bump 620 from sliding backwards toward theopening end 514 and, therefore, restricts the enlarged bar end 606 fromslipping out of the channel 506 when the male and female brackets 600and 500 are engaged with each other.

The goggle strap connector may be in-molded with the goggle frame, orultrasonically welded, or even over-molded with silicon. In someembodiments, the goggle strap connector may be formed separate from thegoggle frame and detachably coupled to the goggle frame.

Methods of coupling a goggle strap to a goggle frame are also providedherein. FIG. 8 illustrates an example method (800) of coupling a gogglestrap to a goggle frame. The method (800) comprises providing a goggleframe and a goggle strap (802). A female bracket is disposed on a firstframe side of the goggle frame or a first end of the goggle strap. Amale bracket is disposed on the first end of the goggle strap or thefirst frame side of the goggle frame. The goggle strap has a directionof strap tension when the goggle strap is pulled away from the strapend. The method (800) further comprises slidably positioning an enlargedbar end of the male bracket into a channel of the female bracket throughan opening end of the channel by sliding the enlarged bar end into thechannel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction ofstrap tension (804). Substantially perpendicular in this applicationmeans that the angle between the sliding direction of the enlarged barend into the channel and the direction of strap tension need not beexactly 90°, but also includes a range of 15° above and below 90° toaccount for differences in manufacturing and that the angle does notneed to be exactly 90° for optimal functionality. The method furthercomprises securing the male bracket to the female bracket by pulling themale bracket or the female bracket substantially parallel to thedirection of strap tension after enlarged bar end is positioned withinthe channel (806). Substantially parallel in this application means thatthe difference between the pulling direction of the male bracket or thefemale bracket and the direction of strap tension need not be exactly0°, but includes a range of 15° above and below 0° to account fordifferences in manufacturing and that the angle does not need to beexactly 0° for optimal functionality.

In some embodiments, securing the male bracket to the female bracketfurther comprises moving one or more bar bumps of the enlarged bar endpast one or more projections of the female bracket, and positioning theone or more bar bumps within the one or more recesses of the femalebracket immediately adjacent to the one or more projections. In someembodiments, securing the male bracket to the female bracket furthercomprises pulling the male bracket or the female bracket until a firstclick is produced. In some embodiments, the method (800) furthercomprises unsecuring the male bracket from the female bracket by pushingthe male bracket and the female bracket toward each other substantiallyopposite the direction of strap tension until one or more bar bumps ofthe enlarged bar end disengages from one or more recesses, and slidingthe enlarged bar end out of the channel in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the direction of strap tension. In some embodiments,unsecuring the male bracket from the female bracket further comprisespushing the male bracket and the female bracket toward each other untila second click is produced. In some embodiments, slidably positioningthe enlarged bar end of the male bracket into the channel of the femalebracket further comprises slidably positioning the enlarged bar end ofthe male bracket into the channel of the female bracket until theenlarged bar end reaches a closed end of the channel opposite theopening end of the channel.

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to thespecific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Manyadditional components and assembly procedures known in the artconsistent with the intended goggles and methods of coupling a gogglestrap to a goggle frame will become apparent for use withimplementations of the apparatus and methods in this disclosure. Inplaces where the description above refers to particular implementationsof goggles, it should be readily apparent that a number of modificationsmay be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that theseimplementations may be applied to other goggles. The presently disclosedimplementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure beingindicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description.All changes that come within the meaning of and range of equivalency ofthe description are intended to be embraced therein. Accordingly, forexample, although particular goggles and methods of coupling a gogglestrap to a goggle frame are disclosed, such apparatus, methods, andimplementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type,model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material,quantity, and the like as is known in the art for such apparatus,methods, and implementing components, and/or the like consistent withthe intended operation of the goggles and methods of coupling a gogglestrap to a goggle frame may be used.

The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are usedherein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Anyaspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely forpurposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit orrestrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of thisdisclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad ofadditional or alternate examples of varying scope could have beenpresented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

What is claimed is:
 1. A strap connection mechanism comprising: a strapcomprising strap ends; a strap connector comprising a female bracket anda male bracket, one of the female bracket or the male bracket beingcoupled to one of the strap ends of the strap; wherein the femalebracket comprises a channel formed between first and second bracketwalls, one or more projections in the channel, and one or more recessesadjacent to the one or more projections; and wherein the male bracketcomprises a bar, the bar comprises a bar end with one or more bumpsdisposed along at least a portion of the bar end, the bar beingconfigured to slide in the channel of the female bracket upon couplingof the male bracket with the female bracket, and the one or more bumpsbeing configured to move past the one or more projections and into theone or more recesses upon actuation of the strap ends in a tensiondirection.
 2. The strap connection mechanism of claim 1, wherein in thefemale bracket: the channel comprises a closed end opposite an openingend of the channel, the closed end of the channel is configured torestrict movement of the male bracket, the channel comprises a lengthgreater than a width and height of the channel, the one or moreprojections extend into the channel from either the first or secondbracket walls, the one or more projections separate a first recess froma second recess of the one or more recesses, and the first and secondbracket walls face each other, the first and second bracket walls joinedby a channel base.
 3. The strap connection mechanism of claim 2, whereinthe male bracket comprises: a strap coupler coupled to at least one ofthe strap ends, and wherein, the bar extends from the strap coupler awayfrom the strap and the one or more bumps are configured to move past theone or more projections from the first recess to the second recess uponactuation of the strap ends in the tension direction.
 4. The strapconnection mechanism of claim 1, wherein, the channel of the femalebracket is configured to slidably receive the bar end of the bar suchthat the bar end of the bar is positioned inside the channel.
 5. Thestrap connection mechanism of claim 1, wherein the actuation of thestrap ends in the tension direction is configured to produce a firstclick.
 6. The strap connection mechanism of claim 1, wherein the malebracket is configured to move within the channel of the female bracketupon movement of the strap in the tension direction.
 7. The strapconnection mechanism of claim 1, wherein the male bracket is coupled toa side of the frame configured to move within the channel of the femalebracket upon movement of the strap in the tension direction.
 8. Thestrap connection mechanism of claim 1, wherein the one or more bumps onthe bar end are configured to move out of the one or more recesses andpast the one or more projections upon actuation of the strap ends in adirection opposite to the tension direction, the actuation of the strapends in the opposite direction is configured to produce a second click.9. The strap connection mechanism of claim 1, wherein engagement ordisengagement of the female and male brackets is configured to producean audible indicator to a user.
 10. The strap connection mechanism ofclaim 1, wherein the male and female brackets are configured to securelylock with each other.
 11. The strap connection mechanism of claim 2,wherein the female bracket further comprises: opposing pair of firstteeth facing each other, the pair of first teeth extend towards thechannel base from a respective one of the first and second bracketwalls, the pair of first teeth are distal to the channel base, andwherein, each one of the pair of first teeth and the respective one ofthe walls form a wall slot, the wall slot extending along at least aportion of the channel.
 12. The strap connection mechanism of claim 1,wherein the male bracket further comprises: opposing pair of secondteeth facing away from each other, each of the opposing pair of secondteeth extends away from the end at the distal end of the bar, andwherein each one of the pair of second teeth forms an end slot between arespective tooth of the pair of second teeth and the bar.
 13. The strapconnection mechanism of claim 2, wherein the pair of first teeth areconfigured to engage with the pair of second teeth upon actuation of thestrap ends in the tension direction.
 14. The strap connection mechanismof claim 2, wherein, upon engagement of the pair of first teeth with thepair of second teeth, each tooth of the pair of first teeth is disposedin a respective end slot formed between the respective tooth of the pairof second teeth and the bar.
 15. The strap connection mechanism of claim2, wherein, upon engagement of the pair of first teeth with the pair ofsecond teeth, each tooth of the pair of second teeth is disposed in arespective wall slot formed by the pair of first teeth and therespective one of the walls.
 16. The strap connection mechanism of claim2, wherein the pair of first and second teeth are configured to limitfurther movement of the bar end of the male bracket.
 17. The strapconnection mechanism of claim 2, wherein, the one or more bumpscomprises a first bump and a second bump disposed distal to the firstbump on the bar, and the first bump disposed proximal to the pair ofsecond teeth.
 18. The strap connection mechanism of claim 2, wherein,the female bracket further comprises a continuous slide guide along thechannel, the slide guide including dimensions greater than dimensions ofthe one or more bumps of the bar such that the bar end is configured toslide into the channel along the slide guide.
 19. The strap connectionmechanism of claim 2, wherein, the one or more projections of the femalebracket comprise first and second projections, the first projection isproximal to the opening end of the channel, and the second projection isdistal to the opening end of the channel.
 20. The strap connectionmechanism of claim 2, wherein the female bracket further comprises arecess wall extending into the channel from either the first or secondbracket walls, the recess wall is configured to restrict movement of theone or more bumps from sliding backward toward the opening end of thechannel.